Tigers' Top 10 in 2012: No. 6 - Jay Prosch one of Auburn's good stories in a tough season

Jay Prosch was on the run, some, for Auburn in 2012 (Julie Bennett / al.com)

AUBURN, Alabama – In a season gone wrong, Jay Prosch seemed to do things right.

He transferred from Illinois to Auburn so he could be close to his ill mother in Mobile. He emerged as hard worker, a selfless player who said he would be content to simply block from his fullback position and if he ever got the football, well, that would be a bonus.

Jay Prosch, a player Auburn fans rallied around during a disappointing 3-9 season, scored the first two touchdowns of his college career in 2012. It was bittersweet. His mother, Iris, died of cancer on a Sept. 3. Five days later, Prosch played against Mississippi State.

"It was nice to get away, get my mind off of things," Prosch said after that game. "She was on my mind, but not in a bad way. In a good way."

He once called himself a glorified offensive lineman, but Auburn coaches made sure Prosch got his touchdowns, a reward for his hard work. He finished with 12 carries for 38 yards, a dizzying total for a guy who carried it twice in two years at Illinois.